The 5^th Avenue North Corridor Feasibility Study contract with KLJ is being brought before City Council for approval. Through a competitive selection process conducted in March, 2016, KLJ was chosen as the consultant to complete this study. The 5^th Avenue North Corridor Feasibility Study is being commissioned by the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization to review potential connections, including non-traditional motorized and non-motorized facilities, along the 5^th Avenue North Corridor between North 32^nd Street and Main Street (approximately 2 miles) and includes the railroad spur at North 23^rd extending to Montana Avenue. This project is identified in the adopted 2016 Billings Urban Area Unified Planning Work Program (UPWP). The UPWP is developed each year and identifies tasks to be completed through the use of Federal Planning dollars allocated to the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization.

The Study will include an examination of existing right-of-way and corridor information including width, ownership, and existing uses.  An analysis of the existing corridor conditions, including opportunities and constraints within and along the corridor will be provided, along with a description of the types of non-traditional motorized and non-motorized transportation elements that might function in the corridor in the future.  As part of this study, initial cost estimates for various improvement alternatives and possible funding sources will be included.  This study will involve extensive public involvement of the adjacent property owners, MRL and BNSF Railroad Companies, downtown organizations, and other interested and vested individuals.  A project steering committee will be established as well as a project website. This Planning Study will require completion of the scope of work and a final document package within approximately 10 months of contract signing. The negotiated contract cost will not exceed $80,000.  A draft contract is attached for Council review.

City Council may:

• Approve the Consultant Agreement with KLJ for a total contract amount not to exceed $80,000, or;
• Disapprove the Consultant Agreement with KLJ and direct staff to develop an acceptable alternative. However, this project is identified the 2016 UPWP, adopted by the Policy Coordinating Committee in September 2015. The UPWP identifies tasks to be completed through the use of Federal Planning dollars allocated to the Billings Metropolitan Planning Organization.
   

The 5^th Avenue North Corridor Study is identified in the 2016 UPWP. The UPWP is the document that outlines activities for the Planning Division staff as well as budgeting the Federal Planning funds received by the Billings MPO. The UPWP was recommended for approval by the City Council on September 14, 2015 and approved by the Policy Coordinating Committee on September 15, 2015. The 5^th Avenue North Corridor Study is 100% reimbursed through the Federal Planning funds received by the Billings MPO.

Staff recommends that the Council approve the contract not to exceed $80,000 with KLJ to complete the 5^th Avenue North Corridor Study and authorize the Mayor to sign the consultant agreement.